Upgrade vs Reward - Time-frame and Status

[deva22]

Hi All,

According to this thread:
Reward seats are release 309 days in advance (10am BNE time) for premium cabins to the USA for NB/PS, and 353 days in advance for SG/WP
After doing some searching I have indeed found this to be true

What then is the go with upgrades?
Does there need to be an award seat available in order to get an upgrade? (does this change with status?)
Do upgrades get released 353 days in advance for SG/WP and 309 days for NB/PS?

I'm trying to figure out how to book a trip to the US. I'd like to travel Premium Economy
I'll have to get my in laws to book if it's reward seat (they hold status) @ 144K + surcharges (1x adult, 1x infant) + a paid adult fare
However, if I can purchase economy and upgrade @ 180K (2x adult upgrade @ 45K each way) I would think that's better value? Would I also need to upgrade the infant's ticket?

Thanks for your help everyone

 

[RichardMEL]

For International sectors:

Upgrades are processed close in to departure depending on status, with WP1 from +7 days per this QF web page:
https://www.qantas.com/fflyer/dyn/f...jetstar#international-classic-upgrade-rewards

• Platinum One Frequent Flyers, from 7 days prior to the scheduled flight departure;
• Platinum Frequent Flyers, from 48 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure; and
• Other Frequent Flyers, within 24 hours of the scheduled flight departure.

Requests may be made at any time once a booking is ticketed, but they will not be processed until the timeframes indicated (this change was made some years back).

Domestic upgrades are different and may be obtained any time "U" class is available.

 

[RichardMEL]

Hi All,

According to this thread:
Reward seats are release 309 days in advance (10am BNE time) for premium cabins to the USA for NB/PS, and 353 days in advance for SG/WP
After doing some searching I have indeed found this to be true

What then is the go with upgrades?
Does there need to be an award seat available in order to get an upgrade? (does this change with status?)
Do upgrades get released 353 days in advance for SG/WP and 309 days for NB/PS?

I'm trying to figure out how to book a trip to the US. I'd like to travel Premium Economy
I'll have to get my in laws to book if it's reward seat (they hold status) @ 144K + surcharges (1x adult, 1x infant) + a paid adult fare
However, if I can purchase economy and upgrade @ 180K (2x adult upgrade @ 45K each way) I would think that's better value? Would I also need to upgrade the infant's ticket?

Thanks for your help everyone

btw have you considered the current companion (2+ tickets together) premium sale? it may be more cost effective and secure PE for you.

If the infant is not occupying a seat I do not think they need to be upgraded per se, but I'm not entirely certain on that point.. either way flights to/from USA are hotly contested and it may be hard to get upgrade seats without status as you're basically last in line.

 

[deva22]

btw have you considered the current companion (2+ tickets together) premium sale? it may be more cost effective and secure PE for you.

If the infant is not occupying a seat I do not think they need to be upgraded per se, but I'm not entirely certain on that point.. either way flights to/from USA are hotly contested and it may be hard to get upgrade seats without status as you're basically last in line.

I see, thanks for that I've been schooled on the matter now!
I think it may just be best to book a reward seat direct....

I'm a VA status holder though, so if buying revenue tickets I'd prefer to fly VA/NZ.
Was just trying to find a way to reduce my costs on a planned USA trip by using up some points I don't have a regular use for.

 

[roncritch]

I have just been knocked back for 2 business class reward seats to be released from SIN_PER on 9/12. Operator requested and was surprised that it was refused. There are still 9J seats available with still 2 I class available. She gave me 2 suggestions. Try again over the next 2 weeks, or get 2x economy classic and apply for upgrade. Doing it the latter way will cost 57,500 points vs 50,000 points per person. Tickets are for myself and Mrs RC, platinum and gold respectively.

Any suggestions as to which way to go fully appreciated.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

For Deva22, its more so your QFF/Qpoints status, VA status does not make an iota of difference in the QFF/Qpoints system.